Douglas Trumbull feted by Visual Effects Society

The work of Douglas Trumbull on the legacy of visual effects in film is unmistakable, going all the way back to his work on “2001: A Space Odyssey.” He had a hand in such groundbreaking films as “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “Blade Runner” and also bridged the gap, becoming a director in his own right with films like “Silent Running” and “Brainstorm.”

This year Trumbull’s work is on full display in Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life,” which features a 20-odd minute analog effects sequence depicting the beginnings of the universe. He could well be recognized by his peers in the visual effects branch of the Academy for his work, and a tip of the hat by the Visual Effects Society is a good start.

The organization has tapped Trumbull as the recipient of this year’s Georges Méliès Award, which honors individuals who have “pioneered a significant and lasting contribution to the art and/or science of the visual effects industry by way of artistry, innovation and groundbreaking work,” according to the press release.

It is worth noting Méliès — the legendary French filmmaker — in a broader sense this year. A colorized print of the director’s classic film “A Trip to the Moon” has been making the festival rounds, being the most in-depth and expensive film preservation project of all time. Meanwhile, that restoration makes an appearance — as does Méliès (as a character) — in Martin Scorsese’s ode to film preservation, “Hugo.”

The award will be presented at the 10th annual VES Awards on February 7, 2012. Meanwhile, “The Tree of Life” is on DVD and Blu-ray as of today. Go out and get it!

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Now that’s what I call a no-brainer. A richly deserved accolade. Love “Silent Running”.

By: JLPatt

10.12.2011 @ 2:57 AM

I honestly don’t think that sequence was 20 minutes long. Maybe 15 at most. But whatever. Ordered the Blu-ray today and can’t wait to get it!

By: KristopherTapley

10.12.2011 @ 3:03 AM

Felt like it.

By: KristopherTapley

10.12.2011 @ 3:03 AM

(In a good way.)

By: JLPatt

10.12.2011 @ 3:06 AM

LOL, didn’t feel like it to me. I actually expected it to be longer. But then again, are we including the dinosaur stuff as part of that sequence? Because then it might be 20 minutes. I guess the only way to find out is pop in that disc!

By: KristopherTapley

10.12.2011 @ 4:50 AM

Oh, yeah, I’m talking about the entire sequence.

By: Rashad

10.12.2011 @ 6:10 AM

I don’t know if he could get nominated, because didn’t they use effects footage from another movie?

By: KristopherTapley

10.12.2011 @ 4:39 PM

No?

By: Rashad

10.12.2011 @ 5:24 PM

I know I’m not crazy. It’s part of the creation sequence. I saw an article that said he borrowed some of the footage from a different documentary or film with permission.

By: Loyal Mehnert

10.12.2011 @ 7:37 PM

Maybe you’re thinking of The Voyage of Time documentary that will expand on the creation sequences.

By: nebel

10.13.2011 @ 11:38 AM

I’m with you, Rashad, I remember reading in the end credits that they used some scenes/images from another film. I thought it was the documentary “Home” but I can’t find anything to back that up right now.